Dr. Thahir, a UAE-based orthopaedic surgeon, recently volunteered at the Emirati integrated field hospital in Gaza as part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3. After spending nearly a month working at the hospital, he shared that it took him several weeks to adjust to sleeping through the night without the constant sound of bombings. Dr. Thahir expressed gratitude for the opportunity to volunteer and mentioned that the team at the hospital was short on orthopaedic surgeons, which is how he got the chance to go to Gaza.
The field hospital in Gaza has the capacity to house 150 patients at all times and is equipped with impressive resources and support. Dr. Thahir mentioned that there were enough medicines to last patients for at least three months, and the hospital even provided free prosthetics to amputee patients. Despite the demanding work routine, with the team performing around seven to eight surgeries a day, Dr. Thahir highlighted the exceptional care provided to the medical staff. He shared that they were well-fed three times a day, and the hospital even took care of tasks like washing their clothes.
Reflecting on his experience at the field hospital, Dr. Thahir mentioned a particularly unforgettable moment when they operated on a patient who had lost a leg and a hand, with his entire family being killed in the same air strike. He was impressed by the incredible patience and faith shown by the Gazan patients despite the hardships they had faced. Dr. Thahir described the experience as life-changing for him and emphasized the resilience and strong faith of the people in Gaza.
Despite the challenging work schedule, Dr. Thahir appreciated the well-equipped facilities at the UAE field hospital and the supportive environment for the medical staff. He recalled that, despite the long hours and occasional night shifts, the hospital provided a comfortable and efficient working environment. Dr. Thahir also noted the exceptional level of care provided to the patients, with access to resources that surpassed those found in some private hospitals in the UAE.
In conclusion, Dr. Thahir’s experience at the Emirati integrated field hospital in Gaza was both challenging and rewarding. His time at the hospital provided him with a new perspective on the resilience and faith of the people in Gaza, as well as a deeper appreciation for the resources and support available at the hospital. Despite the demanding work routine, Dr. Thahir highlighted the positive aspects of his experience, including the exceptional care provided to both the patients and the medical staff. The Emirati integrated field hospital in Gaza continues to provide essential medical support to those in need, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian efforts in the region.
